Samsung introduces a new black Gear VR headset for the Note 7 with support for USB-C

Alongside the Galaxy Note 7 launch today, Samsung introduced a newly revamped edition of their Gear VR headset. The headset has a new jet black colour option, but more importantly comes with the USB-C connector for the Note 7.

As well as the new colour, which Samsung says is to offset any glare that people were getting in previous models, and the new USB-C port, which will also have a microUSB adapter that can be used interchangeably to allow it to be backwards compatible with the Galaxy S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge.

Samsung has also improved the optics of the Gear VR increasing the field of view from 96° to 101°. The increase in field of view is a relatively small change that should make for a better viewing experience, something this new field of VR is trying to really nail. A new trackpad on the side of the headset for control is also onboard.

The headset, as with previous versions also includes a few sensors – Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity – to allow for better positioning and tracking of the headset in space.

Samsung hasn’t announced Australian pricing, but has received a US$99 price tag, which puts it in line with the $159 price tag of the previous Gear VR headset. Samsung Australia hasn’t announced availability here, but has shown off the specs with the Note 7 so it will be coming here.

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